1. VIRTUAL VENTURE Myths, Truths, and Tips for online learning success

2. Agenda:  New to online learning experience  What we’re learning from our students: Success, Myths and Truths  Tips & an advisor resource  We welcome your stories and participation, questions too!

3. Population of OSU online learners 2013-2014 Students taking online classes Campus students 9664 Distance students 5806 49% of the OSU campus student population took at least one online course

4. New learning experience Navigation Work-Life Balance Interaction

5. Interactions for successful learning Student InstructorContentStudent

6. Let’s straighten that out…

7. Myths and Truths about Online Courses…

8. Won’t require much of my time Different commitment of time Unscheduled/unrequired time Possibly more time than in the classroom

9. Reliable Internet access – yes! Syllabus: computer/software requirements OSU Computer Help Desk, LMS Help, youtube Of course, technology is just one factor of success in an online course TIP: Find a personal “go-to” tech support TIP: Ecampus Computer Check Internet access is all I need

10. Flexible, yes! Requires intentionality TIP: Establish a Regular schedule 2-3 hours per credit hour Organization or flow of courses can vary Due dates – weekly? TIP: Wear your colors! Fits easily into my schedule

11. Same academic standards, faculty More reading & writing Many components each week Technology learning curve Additional challenge: self-management Easier than my other classes

12. Required participation in discussion boards Shared student work is a possibility Increases success factors: connection to institution, networking, persistence Online communication for students who prefer taking time to respond TIP: Initiate relationship with instructor I can be anonymous in my class

13. Often, more interaction is required Intro Discussion Board Forum Q&A Forum often answered by peers Grouped discussion, chat, projects TIP: Take a class with someone you know TIP: Be proactive: trade email address with classmates It’s harder to make friends

14. More and more, team involvement Mimics the professional world Discussion boards and collaborative groups Formal and Informal TIP: Students are using Google Apps to collaborate easily I won’t have any team projects

15. I’ll be on my own – who can help? Instructor first Course elements Advisor TIP: Seek out academic support On-campus: The Academic Success CenterThe Academic Success Center Ecampus Student Support: Student Success Counselors & Ecampus Success BlogStudent Success CounselorsEcampus Success Blog

16. Yeah… nope. Students report #1 element of satisfaction is instructor interaction Instructor contact info, office hours Peer-to-peer and other support My instructor is online 24/7

17. There’s no real difference between online and traditional classes Obviously, a different approach to same outcome Outperforming, U.S. Department of Education (2010) Positive impact on career & educational readiness

18. Success Begins Early Handout, please share widely: How to be successful in the First Weeks

20. Thank you! Kyle Cassady Ecampus Career Counselor, Instructor kyle.cassady@oregonstate.edu Amy Riley Ecampus Success Counselor, Instructor amy.riley@oregonstate.edu